'THIS IS ALL PART OF A COMING OF AGE FOR THE DUCHESS'

AS SHE TAKES ON ANOTHER PATRONAGE CLOSE TO HER HEART, IT'S CLEAR THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE IS COMING INTO HER OWN AND FLOURISHING ON THE ROYAL STAGE

-  MICHELLE GARNETT

The Duchess of Cambridge has once again been proving her worth as the royals' beacon of hope standing up for family values and mental health, and emerging as a trusted figurehead for The Firm.

To mark her new patronage of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) last week, Kate spoke out on the issues of "depression and anxiety" relating to childbirth and early parenthood, stating that "no mum is immune" to mental health struggles of this type. Her comments were made in a powerful video message, offering support for parents and building awareness of the struggles new mums can face.

Having previously spoken of her own experiences raising Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, four, with her husband the Duke of Cambridge, she began the video by saying that while the birth of a child is one of life's "greatest gifts", it can also be one of "the most challenging times" for families.

Kate announced her latest patronage in a video message

The 40-year-old royal added that no parent should face the difficulties of childbirth and raising children alone, and said that Maternal Mental Health Alliance week is all about the "power and importance of connection".

She continued, "The past couple of years have reminded us just how much we need each other, and how vital our relationships are to our long-term health and happiness.

"This starts in the earliest years of our lives, when we need close and continuous care from the people around us, to nurture our development and ensure that we get the right start in life."